Series 07 · Verses to Live By

Plans toProsper You

It’s on mugs and graduation cards, but Jeremiah 29:11 was first sent to exiles in Babylon. Read it in context, and it means even more.

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It’s on mugs and graduation cards, but it was first sent to exiles.

Jeremiah 29:11 is printed on mugs and graduation cards. But it was first sent to God’s people in exile in Babylon, where false prophets were promising a quick way home.

One verse to live by

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”Jeremiah 29:11 · NIV

These words were part of a letter. Read with the verses around them, they are not a promise of an easy life. They are a promise that God has not let go.

Settle in. It will be seventy years

Before the famous verse, God told the exiles to build houses, plant gardens and pray for the city that had taken them captive.

Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.Jeremiah 29:7 · NIV

When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back to this place.Jeremiah 29:10 · NIV

The promise didn’t cancel the wait. It gave them hope inside it.

Four phrases to hold onto

God knows the plans. They are not to harm. They end in hope and a future. And that future begins with seeking Him with all your heart.

I know the plansGod isn’t guessing about your life.

Not to harm youExile was not abandonment.

Hope and a futureThe story doesn’t end in Babylon.

Seek me and find meThe future He promised starts with Himself.

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.Jeremiah 29:13 · NIV

A prayer in the waiting

Lord, I’m not where I hoped to be. Thank You that You know the plans You have for me. Help me build, pray and seek You here, and give me hope for the future You hold. Amen.

Pray it in your waiting season

Living well in the waiting

Build where you areDon’t put life on hold. Plant, work and love in this season.
Pray for your BabylonPray for the city, job or family you didn’t choose.
Seek Him firstAsk for His presence before you ask for the way out.

Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.Jeremiah 29:12 · NIV

Reflect

What would change if you built your life where you are?

Name the “Babylon” you didn’t choose. Then pick one way to build, plant or pray there this week.

Go deeper in the Word

Save the slides for your waiting season, then keep studying.

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